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ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on cataract surgery by residents who had mandatory surgical simulator training during residency. Methods: In this retrospective, observational analytical study, the total number of cataract surgeries and surgical complications by all senior residents of 2019 (2019 class; prepandemic) and 2020 (2020 class; affected by the reduced number of elective surgeries due to the COVID-19 pandemic) were collected and compared. All residents had routine mandatory cataract surgery training on a virtual surgical simulator during residency. The total score obtained by these residents on cataract challenges of the surgical simulator was also evaluated. Results: The 2020 and 2019 classes performed 1275 and 2561 cataract surgeries, respectively. This revealed a reduction of 50.2% in the total number of procedures performed by the 2020 class because of the pandemic. The incidence of surgical complications was not statistically different between the two groups (4.2% in the 2019 class and 4.9% in the 2020 class; p=0.314). Both groups also did not differ in their mean scores on the simulator's cataract challenges (p<0.696). Conclusion: Despite the reduction of 50.2% in the total number of cataract surgeries performed by senior residents of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of surgical complications did not increase. This suggests that surgical simulator training during residency mitigated the negative effects of the reduced surgical volume during the pandemic.
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ABSTRACT Purpose: The number of medical schools in Brazil has increased in recent years; however, vacancies for specialization in ophthalmology probably have not kept up with the growing demand. This study wants to estimate the increase in medical schools, the demand for ophthalmology specialization, and evaluate learning opportunities in ophthalmology. Methods: This was a retrospective study with research from the Ministry of Education and Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology database from 2002 to 2021. These data were checked through 120 notices published by the institutions in 2021. Results: The number of medical school vacancies increased by 370%, whereas the number of certified ophthalmology vacancies increased by 64%. There was an 11.4% misalignment between the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology data in the Ministry of Education. Conclusion: The proportion of medical graduates has increased much more than opportunities for ophthalmology specialization. The effect on the search for unaccredited specialization positions is unknown, and policies for monitoring the specialization of ophthalmology vacancies should be established.
RESUMO Objetivo: Nos últimos 20 anos, o número de escolas médicas no Brasil aumentou, mas as vagas para especialização em Oftalmologia não acompanharam a demanda crescente. Este estudo quer estimar a demanda por especialização e avaliar a oferta de oportunidades de aprendizado em Oftalmologia. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico com pesquisa em banco de dados provenientes do Ministério da Educação e Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia. Estes dados foram checados através de 120 editais publicados pelos serviços de Residência em 2021. Resultados: De 2002 a 2021, o número de vagas em faculdades de Medicina aumentou 370%, enquanto o número de vagas certificadas de especialização em Oftalmologia aumentou 64%. Houve um desalinhamento de 11.4% entre os dados do Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia e do Ministério da Educação. Conclusão: A proporção de graduados em Medicina aumentou muito mais do que a oferta de oportunidades de especialização em Oftalmologia, o impacto disto na busca por vagas de especialização não acreditadas é desconhecido, políticas de monitoramento das vagas de especialização em Oftalmologia devem ser estabelecidas.
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ABSTRACT Medical specialties have recognized that breaking bad news assists clinical practice by mitigating the impact of difficult conversations. This scenario also encourages various studies on breaking bad news in ophthalmology since certain ocular diagnoses can be considered bad news. Thus, the objective is to review the scientific literature on breaking bad news in ophthalmology. The literature databases like MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS, SCOPUS, COCHRANE, and SCIELO, were screened for related research publications. Two independent reviewers read all the articles and short-listed the most relevant ones. Seven articles, in the formats of original article, review, editorial, oral communication, and correspondence, were reviewed. Conclusively it reveals that ophthalmologists are concerned with communicating bad news effectively but lack related studies. Nevertheless, there is a growing realization that training in breaking bad news can increase physicians' confidence during communication, thus, benefiting the therapeutic relationship with the patient and his family. Therefore, it would be valuable to include breaking bad news training in the curriculum of residencies.
RESUMO O reconhecimento sobre a comunicação de más notícias como mitigadora de conversas difíceis por outras especialidades médicas, incentiva o estudo desta temática na oftalmologia. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo é revisar a produção de pesquisas científicas sobre a comunicação de más notícias em oftalmologia. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão de literatura. As bases de dados utilizadas foram MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS, SCOPUS, COCHRANE e SCIELO. Dois revisores independentes leram todos os artigos e selecionaram a amostra final. Sete artigos foram escolhidos nos formatos de artigo original, revisão, editorial, comunicação oral e correspondência. Os oftalmologistas estão preocupados em comunicar as más notícias de forma eficaz, mas faltam estudos sobre o tema. No entanto, há uma crescente percepção de que o treinamento de comunicação de más notícias aumenta a confiança dos médicos na comunicação, beneficiando a relação terapêutica. Portanto, seria valioso incluir este treinamento no currículo das residências.
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ABSTRACT Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of impaired vision. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of use of portable retinograph and remote analysis of images along with a virtual questionnaire for screening for diabetic retinopathy in basic health units in the city of Ribeirão Preto/SP during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Standard Covid-19 protocol was followed during the screening. Blood pressure and capillary blood glucose were measured. Demographic and social data were collected through a standardized online questionnaire via smartphone. After pupillary dilation, fundal images were obtained with portable retinographs by trained ophthalmology residents. Two standardized 45° images were acquired: one posterior segment and another nasal to the optic nerve. Diabetic retinopathy was classified according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. Results: A total of 350 patients (64% female; 45% aged 55-70 years; 55% Caucasian) were evaluated. For 40.5% of patients, the campaign was the first opportunity for retinal evaluation; 47.56% had diabetes mellitus for >10 years. On repeat analysis of images stored in a cloud-based repository by retinal specialist, a 7.8% difference was observed in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study diabetic retinopathy classification, compared to the screening findings. Mild diabetic retinopathy was observed in 12.23%, moderate diabetic retinopathy in 6.31%, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 2.58% patients. Macular edema was present in 4.58% patients. Diabetic retinopathy was not detected in 72.78% patients. Conclusion: Use of portable retinographs together with telemedicine can provide efficient alternative to traditional methods for screening and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.
RESUMO Objetivo: A diabetes mellitus é considerada uma epidemia global e causa de baixa visual em países em desenvolvimento. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a viabilidade do retinógrafo portátil e análise remota de imagens associada a questionário virtual para o rastreio de retinopatia diabética em Unidades Básicas de Saúde da cidade de Ribeirão Preto/SP durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Métodos: Trezentos e sessenta pacientes compareceram a campanha. O acolhimento foi realizado na Unidade Básica de Saúde pela equipe de enfermagem, respeitando medidas de prevenção do Covid-19 Os realizou-se aferição da pressão arterial e glicemia capilar seguida de dilatação. Dados demográficos e sociais foram coletados através de questionário on-line padronizado via smartphone e realizou-se a triagem da retinopatia diabética através da obtenção de imagens com retinógrafos portáteis realizados por residentes de oftalmologia previamente treinados, com a aquisição de 2 imagens padronizadas de 45º: uma do segmento posterior e outra nasal ao nervo óptico. Resultados: Trezentos e sessenta pacientes foram atendidos durante a campanha. Dez pacientes (1,02%) foram excluídos devido à opacidade de meios e impossibilidade de obtenção de imagens de fundo de olho. Foram avaliados 350 pacientes, 64% do sexo feminino, 45% entre 55 e 70 anos e 55% brancos. A Campanha foi a primeira avaliação de retina para 40,5% dos pacientes e 47,56% apresentavam diabetes mellitus há mais de 10 anos. Na análise comparativa da classificação da retinopatia diabética segundo Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (triagem X Nuvem) observou-se uma diferença de 7,8% nos resultados. Retinopatia diabética leve foi observada em 12,23%, moderada em 6,31%, proliferativa em 2,58%; edema macular presente em 4,58% e ausência de retinopatia diabética em 72,78% dos pacientes. Conclusão: A utilização de retinógrafos portáteis juntamente a telemedicina, para o rastreamento da retinopatia diabética pode ser considerada uma alternativa eficiente para triagem e diagnóstico da retinopatia diabética dentro ou fora do cenário pandêmico, auxiliando na prevenção de perda visual pelo diabetes.
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ChatGPT is a large language models(LLMs)that uses deep learning techniques to produce human-like responses to natural language inputs. It belongs to the family of generative pre-training transformer(GPT)models currently publicly available developed by OpenAI in November 2022. ChatGPT is capable of capturing the nuances and intricacies of human language, generating appropriate and contextually relevant responses. It can assist medical professionals in various tasks, such as research, diagnosis, patient monitoring, and medical education, from identifying research programs to assisting in clinical and laboratory diagnosis, to know new developments in their fields and scientific writing. ChatGPT has also attracted increasing attention and widely used in ophthalmology. However, the use of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools in such tasks comes now with several limitations, ethical and legal concerns, such as credibility, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and biases. Future research can focus on developing new methods to mitigate these limitations while harnessing the benefits of ChatGPT in medicine and related aspects.
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Background: In 1978, the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was a remarkable volte-face in the world of diagnostics. Employing the phenomenon of nuclear resonance enables us to exploit the properties of differential protons in living tissues. The ability of providing higher and variable contrast and the absence of ionizing radiations make it superior to computed tomography. Being the diagnostic tool of choice, it is an indispensable part of assessment of the location and characteristics of different ocular and orbital pathologies (vascular, inflammatory, and neoplastic). Purpose: The intrinsic and extrinsic properties of MRI provide multi-parametric imaging, making it of paramount importance in ophthalmological evaluation. Also, MRI-dynamic color mapping provides non-invasive and quantitative assessment of soft tissues in motion. An in-depth knowledge of the basic principle and technique of MRI aids in diagnosing as well optimal planning of surgical interventions. Synopsis: In this video, we shall be displaying the anatomical, clinical, and radiological aspects of MRI with an overlap to make it easier to understand the implications of this miraculous invention. Highlights: A good understanding of MRI analysis makes the ophthalmologists independent and helps in ruling out the differential diagnoses, exact extent and invasion, precise surgical planning and therefore, avoiding tragic outcomes. This video is an attempt to simplify and emphasize on the importance of MRI interpretation for an ophthalmologist.
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Purpose: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) pandemic, private practice, inpatient consult services, and academic residency programs in ophthalmology saw a decrease in patient encounters. This study elucidates how community hospital ophthalmology consult (OC) services were affected during the pandemic. We aim to determine whether there was a change in resident OC volume in a community?based ophthalmology program consult service during the COVID?19 pandemic. Secondary objectives included analyzing the change in the types of diagnoses and the number of patients seen for diabetic retinopathy over the same time. Methods: A retrospective cross?sectional study was conducted reviewing the electronic health record (EHR) charts from OCs for the period 2017–2021. Records were categorized by referral source and the nature of OCs (trauma, acute, or chronic); OCs were further grouped by year and weak of referral. An intermonth analysis of weekly OC counts in each category was performed for the average number of consults in February–April 2017–2019 and for February–April 2020. A one?tailed t?test was performed. All t?tests assumed equal variances. Results: Weekly OCs in 2020 revealed no statistically significant differences in overall cases or in acute or chronic cases when the volume before the COVID?19 pandemic was compared to the volume after the onset of the pandemic. However, a statistically significant increase in the average weekly trauma cases was noted when 2020 (an average of 2.7 cases per week) was compared to the weekly average for the same weeks of years 2017– 2019 (0.4; P = 0.016). This statistically significant increase in trauma in 2020 disappeared when comparing weeks 11–17 in 2020 (2.2 cases per week) and the average of 2017–2019 (1.1).Conclusion: This report outlines no significant change in OCs before and after the onset of the pandemic compared to three previous years. There was, however, an increase in trauma consults during the pandemic and an increase in the number (though not the proportion) of diabetic retinopathy (DR+) patients seen by residents. This report uniquely describes no significant changes in the resident volume of patients seen during the COVID?19 global pandemic
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Introducción: Las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones (ICT por sus siglas en inglés) han originado la enseñanza mediante los llamados entornos virtuales de enseñanza-aprendizaje. La Universidad Virtual de la salud (UVS) de Pinar del Río, es una de las instituciones que se destaca en este quehacer, no obstante, son insuficientes las publicaciones relacionadas con la virtualización de contenidos en la especialidad de Oftalmología. Objetivo: desarrollar una aplicación web para la virtualización de los procesos docentes en la especialidad de Oftalmología en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río. Métodos: La investigación se basa en el enfoque dialéctico. Desde este enfoque se utilizaron métodos de investigación teóricos: análisis histórico lógico, análisis y síntesis, inducción y deducción, y empíricos: modelación y análisis documental. Para la modelación y diseño de artefactos de ingeniería se utilizó el Enterprise Architect y para la elaboración de la web el WordPress. Resultados: Se podrán visualizar los contenidos de la especialidad en cada uno de los años de rotación, tanto en pregrado como en el postgrado, a través de interfaz gráfica amigable, sencilla y amena. Conclusiones: Con la elaboración de esta aplicación web se resuelven problemas de masividad, espacio y tiempo, así como de llevar el conocimiento más actualizado y pertinente hasta donde están quienes más lo necesitan, sin que tengan que ausentarse de su entorno laboral y familiar, de forma masiva.
Introduction: ICT have originated training in the so-called virtual teaching-learning environments. The UVS of Pinar del Río is one of the institutions that stands out in this task; however, the publications related to the virtualization of contents in the specialty of Ophthalmology are insufficient. Objective: to develop a web application for the virtualization of teaching processes in the specialty of Ophthalmology at the University of Medical Sciences of Pinar Del Río. Methods: the dialectical approach is the basis of the research. Theoretical methods used were: logical-historical analysis, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction; empirical methods included modeling and documentary analysis. The Enterprise Architecture was used for the modeling and design of engineering artifacts, and WordPress was used for the development of the Web. Results: the contents of the specialty might be visualized in both undergraduate and postgraduate years of rotation through a friendly, simple and enjoyable graphical interface. Conclusions: the use of this web application can solve problems of massiveness, space and time, bringing the most updated and relevant knowledge to where people need it, without having to be absent from their work and family environment.
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Introducción: La enfermedad COVID-19, declarada como pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, afecta otros sistemas y órganos ajenos al aparato respiratorio, por ejemplo: los ojos. Objetivo: Caracterizar las manifestaciones oculares de la COVID-19 y sus posibles complicaciones. Método: Se realizó un análisis exhaustivo de bibliografía a través de los motores de búsqueda SciELO, PubMed y Google Académico; se seleccionó un total de 55 artículos. Conclusiones: Clínicamente, la COVID-19 se ha asociado a conjuntivitis leve, que puede ser el primer y único síntoma de la enfermedad, así como a afecciones retinianas, enfermedad de Kawasaki, complicaciones neurooftalmológicas y en el paciente de cuidados intensivos. La pronta detección de estas afecciones puede influir directamente en la posterior evolución del paciente.
Introduction: COVID-19, a pandemic declared by the World Health Organization, affects not only the respiratory system but other systems and organs, for example the eyes. Objective: to characterize ocular manifestations of COVID-19 and their possible complications. Methods: an exhaustive analysis of the bibliography was carried out through SciELO, PubMed and Google Scholar search engines; a total of 55 articles were selected. Conclusions: COVID-19 has been clinically associated with mild conjunctivitis, which may be the first and only symptom of the disease, as well as retinal disorders, Kawasaki disease, neuro-ophthalmological complications, and in intensive care patients. Early detection of these conditions can directly influence the subsequent evolution of the patient.
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Retina , Conjunctivitis , COVID-19ABSTRACT
Purpose: To assess pre?clerkship and clerkship medical student performance in an ophthalmology Objective Standardized Clinical Examination (OSCE) station. Methods: One hundred pre?clerkship medical students and 98 clerkship medical students were included in this study. The OSCE station consisted of a common ocular complaint – blurry vision with decreased visual acuity – and students were asked to take an appropriate history, provide two or three differential diagnoses to explain the symptoms, and perform a basic ophthalmic examination. Results: Generally, clerks performed better than pre?clerks in the history taking (P < 0.01) and ophthalmic examination (P < 0.05) sections, with few specific exceptions. In the history?taking section, more pre?clerkship students asked about patient age and past medical history (P < 0.00001) and for the ophthalmic examination, more pre?clerkship students performed the anterior segment examination (P < 0.01). Interestingly, more pre?clerkship students were also able to provide two or three differential diagnoses (P < 0.05), specifically diabetic retinopathy (P < 0.00001) and hypertensive retinopathy (P < 0.00001). Conclusion: The performance of both groups was generally satisfactory; however, many students in both groups had scores that were unsatisfactory. Notably, pre?clerks also outperformed clerks in certain areas, which emphasizes the importance of revisiting ophthalmology content through clerkship. Awareness of such knowledge can allow medical educators to incorporate focused programs into the curriculum
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Purpose: There is a clinical need for a cost?effective, reliable, easy?to?use, and portable retinal photography. The use of smartphone fundus photography for documentation of retinal changes in resource?limited settings, where retinal imaging was not previously possible, is studied here. The introduction of smartphone?based retinal imaging has resulted in the increase in available technologies for fundus photography. On account of the cost, fundus cameras are not readily available in ophthalmic practice in developing countries. Because smartphones are readily available, easy to use, and also portable, they present a low?cost alternative method in resource?limited settings. The aim is to explore the use of smartphones (iphones) for retinal imaging in resource?limited settings. Methods: A smartphone (iphone) was used to acquire retinal images with the use of +20 D lens in patients with dilated pupils by activating the video mode of the camera. Results: Clear retinal images were obtained in different clinical conditions in adults and children, including branch retinal vein occlusion with fibro?vascular proliferation, choroidal neo?vascular membranes, presumed ocular toxoplasmosis, diabetic retinopathy, retinoblastoma, ocular albinism, and hypertensive retinopathy. Conclusion: New inexpensive, portable, easy?to?operate cameras have revolutionized retinal imaging and screening programs and play an innovative role in research, education, and information sharing
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ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the profile of emergency eye-related visits at a reference eye hospital in Sao Paulo during the first months of the quarantine due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare it with that in the same period of the previous year. Methods: Data were obtained from the emergency department of Ophthal Hospital Especializado, Sao Paulo, Brazil. All the cases registered between March 23 and May 19, 2020, were included in the study as Group 2020. The cases registered between March 23 and May 19, 2019, were included in the study as Group 2019. Frequency tables were used for the descriptive analyses. The chi-square and Fisher exact tests were applied to compare categorical variables between the groups. Results: We observe a decrease of 46.15% in the number of cases during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. We observed a significant increase in the incidence rates of the following pathologies in 2020 compared with 2019: eyelid disorders (12.3%), corneal disorders (97.1%), retinal pathologies (173.1%), refraction (62.9%), glaucoma (acute and chronic; 43.9%), scleral alterations (68.8%), trauma (39.3%), herpes (54.7%), and cataracts (549.9%). On the other hand, the incidence rates of the following disorders decreased: conjunctivitis (-33.4%), disorders of lacrimal system (-81.0%), iridocyclitis (-39.9%), and postoperative visits (-80.1%). Conclusion: During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a drastic decrease in the number of patients who visited the emergency eye service. The main reasons for visiting were also changed, with higher frequencies of high-severity cases such as retina disturbances, cornea disturbances, glaucoma, and trauma and lower frequencies of transmittable conditions such as conjunctivitis.
RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar o perfil das consultas de emergência oftalmológicas durante os primeiros meses de quarentena por pandemia de covid-19 em um hospital oftalmológico de referência em São Paulo e compará-lo com o mesmo período do ano anterior. Métodos: Os dados foram extraídos do serviço de emergência do Hospital Ophthal Especializado, São Paulo, Brasil. Todos os casos registrados entre 23 de março e 19 de maio de 2020 foram incluídos no estudo como Grupo 2020. Os casos registrados entre 23 de março e 19 de maio de 2019 foram incluídos no estudo como Grupo de 2019. Tabelas de frequência foram utilizadas para análises descritivas. Os testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher foram aplicados para comparar variáveis categóricas entre os grupos. Resultados: Observamos uma diminuição de 46,15% no número de casos durante a pandemia Covid-19 em 2020 quando comparado ao mesmo período sem pandemia em 2019. Foi observado um aumento significativo nos achados de pálpebra (+12,3%), córnea (+97,1%), retina (+173,1%), refração (+62,9%), glaucoma (+43,9%), esclera (+68,8%), trauma (+39,3%), herpes (+54,7%) e catarata (+549,9%) em 2020 quando comparado para 2019. Por outro lado, houve redução nos casos de conjuntivite (-33,4%), transtornos do aparelho lacrimal (-81,0%), iridociclite (-39,9%) e consultas pós-operatórias (-80,1%). Conclusão: durante a fase inicial da pandemia Covid-19, foi observada uma redução drástica no número de pacientes que procuram o serviço de emergência ocular. Houve também uma mudança nos principais motivos para visitas com frequências mais altas de casos de alta gravidade como distúrbios da retina, distúrbios da córnea, glaucoma e trauma, e frequências mais baixas de condições transmissíveis como conjuntivite.
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Resumen Antecedentes: La queratoplastia en población pediátrica ha sido considerada un procedimiento de alto riesgo. Objetivo: Conocer datos demográficos de pacientes menores de 18 años tratados con queratoplastia óptica, indicaciones de la cirugía y sus resultados. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el Instituto de Oftalmología Conde de Valenciana, en el que se revisaron expedientes de pacientes menores de 18 años tratados con queratoplastia óptica de 2009 a 2019. Resultados: Un total de 53 ojos fueron incluidos. El diagnóstico y el procedimiento más comunes fueron el queratocono y la queratoplastia penetrante. El promedio de agudeza visual inicial fue de 2.05 ± 0.99 logMAR y en la última visita, 0.82 ± 1.33. El tiempo de supervivencia del injerto fue de 130.34 meses. Se registraron cuatro fallas. En cuanto a las cirugías asociadas, antes del trasplante se registró cierre de herida corneal en siete ojos y durante la queratoplastia, vitrectomía anterior en dos ojos y después del trasplante, implante de válvula de Ahmed y resutura. Un total de ocho ojos tuvieron glaucoma, cinco con diagnóstico antes del trasplante. Respecto al rechazo, 15 ojos tuvieron un episodio durante el seguimiento y el tiempo promedio de rechazo al trasplante fue de 10.8 meses. Conclusión: Se puede lograr una supervivencia prolongada del injerto con el mejor conocimiento y manejo de los diferentes factores asociados.
Abstract Background: Keratoplasty in the pediatric population has been considered a high-risk procedure. Objective: To know the demographic data of patients younger than 18 years treated with optical keratoplasty, indications for surgery and its results. Material and methods: A retrospective study was carried out at Conde de Valenciana Ophthalmology Institute, in which the medical records of patients younger than 18 years treated with optical keratoplasty from 2009 to 2019 were analyzed. Results: A total of 53 eyes were included. The most common diagnosis and procedure were keratoconus and penetrating keratoplasty, respectively. Mean initial visual acuity was 2.05 ± 0.99 logMAR, and 0.82 ± 1.33 at last visit. Survival time was 130.34 months. Four failures were recorded. As for associated surgeries, corneal wound closure was recorded in seven eyes prior to transplant; during the keratoplasty procedure, anterior vitrectomy in two eyes, and after the transplant, Ahmed valve implantation and re-suture. A total of eight eyes had glaucoma, five of them diagnosed prior to transplantation. Regarding rejection, 15 eyes had an episode during follow-up, and mean time to transplant rejection was 10.8 months. Conclusion: Prolonged graft survival can be achieved with better knowledge and management of different associated factors.
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Resumen Objetivo: Realizar un análisis descriptivo de los incidentes en oftalmología reportados por médicos oftalmólogos de Argentina. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio basado en una encuesta desarrollada mediante un sistema electrónico, en agosto de 2021, dirigido a médicos oftalmólogos de Argentina. Se solicitó la descripción de incidentes oftalmológicos, clasificándolos en cuatro grupos, acorde a lo descrito por Organización Mundial de la Salud, en A: "Incidentes, casi-accidentes (no alcanzaron a los pacientes)"; B: "Incidentes (que alcanzaron al paciente, pero sin daño)"; C: "Incidentes prevenibles con daño" y D: "Incidentes no prevenibles con daño". El instructivo de la encuesta explicó la terminología y ofreció ejemplos de cada tipo de incidentes, que fueron evaluados mediante un proceso estadístico descriptivo. Resultados: Participaron 264 médicos oftalmólo gos quienes informaron 434 incidentes. A- Incidentes sin alcance al paciente: 125 casos (28.8%). B- Incidentes que alcanzaron al paciente sin daño: 117 casos. (27%). C- Incidentes prevenibles, con daño: 96 casos (22.1%). D- Incidentes no prevenibles con daño: 96 casos (22.1%). Los incidentes vinculados al uso de gotas fueron los más frecuentes en los 4 grupos (68, 75, 13 y 29 incidentes respectivamente). Conclusión: El 77.9% de los incidentes comunicados en este estudio se podrían haber evitado con adecuadas medidas de seguridad, siendo los más frecuentes los asociados a la utilización de gotas oftálmicas.
Abstract Objective: To perform a descriptive analysis of incidents in ophthalmology reported by ophthal mologists of Argentina. Methods: A questionnaire-based study was performed by an electronic survey during August 2021, including ophthalmologists of Argentina, requesting the description of ophthalmological incidents, which were classified in four groups, in accordance with World Health Organization Definition, as follow: A- "Inci dents, almost-accidents (patient no affected)"; B: "Incidents (patient affected without damage)"; C: "Preventable incidents, with damage", and D: "Not Preventable incidents, with damage". An instructive was supported in the survey explaining these definitions with examples of each kind of incidents. Data was processed for descriptive statistics. Results: The survey was performed by 264 ophthalmologists, reporting 434 incidents: A- Incidents, almost-accidents (patient not affected): 125 cases (28.8%). B- Incidents (patient affected without damage): 117 cases (27%). C- Preventable incidents, with damage: 96 cases (22.1%). D- "Not Preventable incidents, with damage: 96 cases (22.1%). In four groups the most frequent incidents were those associated with the use of ophthalmic drops (68, 75, 13, and 29 incidents respectively). Conclusion: Most of the incidents (77.9%) reported in this study could be avoided if appropriate safety measures were taken. Ophthalmic drops related incidents were the most frequent.
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Introducción: La toxoplasmosis es una enfermedad parasitaria, en América Latina la prevalencia es relativamente alta, se sabe que la enfermedad no solo es la causa más frecuente de uveítis posterior, sino también la causa principal de la uveítis en sí misma. En Paraguay no se dispone de datos epidemiológicos publicados sobre la misma. Objetivo: Determinar las características de las lesiones retinianas en pacientes con diagnóstico de Toxoplasmosis ocular. Metodología: El presente estudio es observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, temporalmente retrospectivo, con muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. Se enfocó en pacientes con diagnóstico de Toxoplasmosis que acudieron al servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital de Clínicas, durante el periodo de junio de 2020 a febrero 2022. Resultados: Se observó un 54,3 % de mujeres, una media de 30,62 +/- 12,96 años y un 62,8 % de procedencia urbana. El 88,3 % de los casos fueron unilaterales, la mitad de episodios primarios, el 93,6 % casos agudos, y el 97,9 % tuvo un mecanismo de trasmisión adquirido. La mayoría se presentó como Panuveítis, las localizaciones más frecuentes de las lesiones retinocoroideas fueron el Polo posterior (extramacular) y la periferia. El principal abordaje terapéutico fue el tratamiento con Trimetoprim Sulfametoxazol y corticoides sistémicos, la duración del tratamiento fue de 6,51 +/- 1,52 semanas, y las principales complicaciones fueron la Vitritis residual y la Hipertensión ocular. Discusión: La toxoplasmosis ocular es una causa importante de morbilidad visual. Se hace fundamental la prevención de la infección por este parásito mediante medidas higiénico-sanitarias, así como el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz de los pacientes infectados, de tal manera a disminuir las complicaciones asociadas a esta patología.
Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease, in Latin America the prevalence is relatively high, it is known that the disease is not only the most frequent cause of posterior uveitis, but also the main cause of uveitis itself. In Paraguay there are no published epidemiological data on it. Objective: To determine the characteristics of retinal lesions in patients diagnosed with ocular Toxoplasmosis. Methods: This study is observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, temporally retrospective, with non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases. It focused on patients diagnosed with Toxoplasmosis who attended the Ophthalmology service of the Hospital de Clínicas, during the period from June 2020 to February 2022. Results: 54.3% of women were observed, an average of 30.62 +/ - 12.96 years old and 62.8% of urban origin. 88.3% of the cases were unilateral, half were primary episodes, 93.6% acute cases, and 97.9% had an acquired transmission mechanism. Most presented as panuveitis, the most frequent locations of retinochoroidal lesions were the posterior pole (extramacular) and the periphery. The main therapeutic approach was treatment with trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and systemic corticosteroids, the duration of treatment was 6.51 +/- 1.52 weeks, and the main complications were residual vitritis and ocular hypertension. Discussion: Ocular toxoplasmosis is an important cause of visual morbidity. It is essential to prevent infection by this parasite through hygienic-sanitary measures, as well as early diagnosis and treatment of infected patients, in order to reduce the complications associated with this pathology.
ABSTRACT
Introducción: La retinopatía asociada a melanoma (RAM) es un desafío para el equipo tratante de pacientes oncológicos debido a la inespecificidad del cuadro clínico y a la dificultad de realizar exámenes que ofrezcan un diagnóstico. Métodos: Paciente 55 años, sexo femenino con diagnóstico de melanoma, consulta por escotoma central asociado a síntomas visuales positivos. Resultados: Examen oftalmológico dentro de rangos normales. Electrorretinograma (ERG) estándar muestra respuesta máxima electronegativa en ambos ojos, sugerente de RAM. Discusión: El reconocimiento temprano de RAM mediante ERG tiene importancia diagnóstica, permitiendo iniciar tratamiento temprano y reducir el riesgo irreversible de daño a la retina.
Introduction: Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a challenge for the oncology team due to the non-specific clinical presentation and the associated difficulty of performing indicative tests for diagnosis. Methods: A 55-year-old female patient initially diagnosed with melanoma consults due to vision with central scotoma associated with positive visual symptoms. Results: Ophthalmological examination within normal ranges. Standard electroretinogram (ERG) shows the maximum electronegative response in both eyes, suggesting MAR. Discussion: The early recognition of MAR by ERG has diagnostic importance because it would allow a possible early treatment and could reduce the risk of irreversible retina damage.
ABSTRACT
Face mask-wearing practices and their impact on the visual field bear particular importance in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era. This case series examines 10 participants with no history of ocular impairment or visual field defects who underwent age-corrected visual field testing in both eyes with different types of face masks. Wearing duckbill N95 masks was consistently associated with increased accuracy errors in the inferior altitudinal visual field when compared to wearing surgical masks or no masks. These findings support public health guidance that has previously attributed the risks of falls and accidents to face mask wearing.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The study intends to evaluate the demographic and clinical profile of pediatric patients (0–18 years) attending six vision centers (VCs) of a tertiary eye care facility in south India. Methods: This is a cross?sectional observation study conducted at six major peripheral VCs of a tertiary eye care facility in South India from June 20 to Dec 20. All children presenting at the VCs under a base hospital (BH) in Pondicherry, whose parents gave consent were included. Data were entered by the ophthalmic assistants in the VC and cross checked by the principal investigator at the BH. Results: A total of 250 pediatric patients were brought to the VCs during the study period, predominantly males (60.8%), with a mean age of 8.2 ± 4.5 years (0– 18 years). Half of them were staying within 5 km from the VCs. Most children were escorted by their parents (88%), and the expenditure of travel to the VC was affordable for most of the parents (75%). Also, 53.6% of patients were in their primary school, while schooling had not started for 28% of children. Visual acuity (VA) could be assessed only for school?going children and older children due to lack of age?matched VA assessment tools. Most children (91.3%) had uncorrected VA better than or equal to 6/18 in the better eye, and approximately 3% had VA worse than 6/60. All patients had best corrected VA of 6/6–6/18 after cycloplegic refraction. Most children reported to the VC for allergic conjunctivitis (25%), followed by refractive error (13%) and squint (10.4%). Urgent referral to the BH was made for 47 children. Conclusion: Primary eye care in pediatric population?I (PREPP?I) showed that most children can be treated at the VCs and only one?fifth of the children require active intervention at higher referral centers. Further study on satisfaction of services provided for pediatric patients in these VCs and barriers of not reporting to the BH when referred are considered for the PREPP?II study
ABSTRACT
Fundus oculi proliferative diseases, such as choroidal neovascularization, diabetic retinopathy, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy, are characterized by cell proliferation and neovascularization.It can lead to damage to the ocular structure and visual acuity.Circular RNA (CircRNA) is a non-coding endogenous RNA, which has been confirmed to be involved in the pathophysiological process of many ophthalmic diseases by recent studies.Thus, circRNA may become a promising target of fundus oculi proliferative diseases.This review concluded the physiological function of circRNA and its role in the physiological and pathological process of diabetic retinopathy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy and glaucoma-related glia proliferation.
ABSTRACT
In January 2022, after an eight-year hiatus, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) published the latest version of AAPOS uniform guidelines for instrument-based pediatric vision screen validation.Based on recent studies, the new guidelines have been updated and supplemented in many aspects, such as screening population, key points, methods and diagnosis criteria, including clinically significant refractive errors and myopia, simplified age subgroups, and adopted meridional refractive power.The updated guidelines will improve pediatric eye care, early detection of amblyopia and refractive screening, reduce excessive referral and ultimately improve the effectiveness of vision screening.In this article, the background and specific content of the updated guidelines were interpreted to guide clinical practice.